Spring Break 2015

What a wonderful Spring Break we had!!!  Sarah and I kicked it off with running our first half marathon...note I said first...as I have told her...there will be more, I hope!  You can read all about it in my post titled, "13.1".  I am still in the process of writing that one too.

Anyhoooo.  The race was great, the company was great and the beach was, as always, my favorite.

The first day the kids had to get to the sand and surf.  Can you blame them?

The first day was cold but that didn't stop these crazy kids.

I love this one of Landon. He, now eight, is still able to be completely taken in by the sand and the vastness of the beach.

A little brother and sister moment. :)

This was more commonly seen...Anna and Connor were just two peas in a pod.  These two are our sneaky middle children who we have to keep an eye on.  They *might* have been caught kissing in the past. Boy oh boy....the conversations that followed...

My sweet boy, building a sand castle.  He is such a thinker.  His little wheels just turn in that sweet head of his.  I love to watch him.  My heart.

Sarah getting a sweet moment with her sweet little one, who is not so little anymore.  :)

Sweet girls walking up from the beach.  They asked Sarah to carry them... ummmm, post 13.1 miles that morning, you two little ladies can walk.  How about I hold those sweet little hands.  :)

And, Pop.  My dad and mom came over to make a celebratory feast for Sarah and I!  They also fed us our carb and salt loaded dinner pre-race.  This dinner was amazing and just what I wanted!  It truly was just extra special to have my parents there to cheer me on.  It was amazing.  And, having them cook for me too, was something I will always treasure.  You are never too old to need your mom and dad and mine were really there for me this past weekend.  Gotta stop, getting teary eyed...

Um.  YUM.

Look at that grin... :)

Old John's sauce...

The two most wonderful parents in the world.  Seeing these two faces cheering me on was just a tiny window into what life will continue to be like with my three.  There are times when I am sad that the baby days are on their way out, but knowing that I can still be present for these types of big events and KNOW how special it is, no matter how old my kids are.  I know because it was that special to me.  It was like Kindergarten graduation, my first softball game, getting my driver's license, high school prom, high school and college graduation, my wedding...it was just magic, having them there. Amazing love, how can this be?

Mom, dad, our family and our wonderful neighbors, enjoying the feast.

I'd say JD and Landon were impressed...

And, the next morning...we had bunny pancakes!  I had to channel my "Uncle Fred" and get Sarah on board...she let me use my crafty food mom skills...while she made the more practical pancakes.  :)

Then, we had mimosas to celebrate our 13.1!!!!!  Thanks Shannon!

Anna and Connor were impressed.  :) And silly.

Stan took a little breather to love up on our Landon.  How I love the way Stan loves our kids.

Another beach day?  Um.  It was even colder!

Stan bundled little LJ up and took her outside!

There was plenty of wrestling!

And Holt serenaded us with his dark glasses and guitar.  It was hilarious and the kids loved it.

Next stop...the NC Aquarium!  I stayed at the house and rested up because I developed a little tendinitis after the race and needed to ice it, but the rest of the crew went and had a blast!

Best buds.

I just love this one.

Three little lobsters.  ;)

Insanely cute.

And...back to the beach.  No matter what we did during the day, there was always time to head back to the beach. The kids just loved every minute of it...

Caught in the act...right after we said, "Just don't throw the sand...".  Cool picture, though, huh?

Practicing his primo baseball throw!  I love this picture so much and I love that Landon got to have a break from school.  What a tough year.  What a tough boy he is!!! :)

He will probably kill me for this one day. :) He has little chicken legs like someone else I know.

Landon and JD, best buds.  Sarah got one similar to this and both of them asked if she would print it out for them to hang in their rooms.  I love how close they are and the blessing that they live NEXT door.

A common sighting during our week. :)

Holt, Mom-mom and I decided to venture out to take the big kids to see the Maritime Museum on Beaufort.  We had hoped to go see the wild ponies, but the weather just was not right.  We didn't want to make that cool of a trip pale because of external circumstances.  We will go there!  It is on my mom's "bucket list".

Here is Miss Anna, getting ready to do her treasure hunt!

Landon did his treasure map evaluation on a boat...

Blackbeard. And two little rascals.

Connor and Anna at the treasure chest.

Connor getting ready to pick his souvenir penny out!  This was the thing of the week for my Connor. And, when we got back, sweet Stan ordered him a little booklet to keep his pennies in. Connor was so proud of his little collection
.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sarah gave the little ones pedicures...

Lindsay Jane was oooober impressed.  :)  This was her first pedicure and she loved it.  Oh, the joys of little girls.  :)

Beach time again! In her pajamas! Yes! Pure pure joy.

More rock throwing into the ocean.

Two little monkeys.

What is that I see in Stan's coat?   A cute little curly haired little angel?

I think someone is having a little fun..

Oh, Stan, if only.  Too funny.

Pop and mommom getting away for a moment.  Isn't this a great one?  Especially for two mountain loving people.  The ocean, it has a way of pulling you in...

Sweet Connor.  I just love this little one.

Yes, the kids played a little bit on the smart phones...but we opted to leave the x-box at home, which was absolutely the right decision.  The kids played and played outside, read books, played Foosball, played board games and got out and about around the island.  It was great.

Cuties...

Lindsay Jane playing with her Pop.

My mom had a little buddy, Miss Anna.  Look at that sweet little one laying on my mom.  It was precious.  She was calling for Mommom to read her a book later on and it just made my heart smile. Mommom did not mind at all.

Rachel had to get in on the fun with Pop...

Boogers.

I have a picture almost identical to this one when Landon was this age.  My parents just love being grandparents.  It is so precious to watch them with my kids.

See?

My peace.

And, I had to include these two.  We played "Battle of the Sexes" which was hilarious with my parents.  Here they got a card where they had to act out the word or action on the card.  What a fun time was had by all!

And...back to the beach!

Definitely one of Connor's favorite things to do at the beach!

And, we even made time for our annual bunny cake making and decorating with the Woodruffs! How fun!

How tasty!

Enjoying more time on the beach after our first walk after the half!

Lindsay Jane was getting the hang of Frisbee throwing...glad Stan was on the receiving end of that lesson...

Lindsay Jane also thought she needed to sit on the beach and read like mommy.  How funny is this. No, she is not reading a book, but a tablet.  Wowee, how times have changed.

It was a perfect day for kites!

And sandcastles...

One determined little girl.

Who just loves her puppy.  :)

I love watching kids sit by the water and I love that in the second picture, you can see the boys in the distance.   I think I could write a book about all the things this picture makes me think about.

We had time for a little baseball too!

And LJ practiced her Yoga...

Then there was football...

More sandcastles...

And even some time for us couples to bond.  ;)

Next stop...Fort Macon!

Souvenir penny stop...

Posing by the canon balls. LJ was not too impressed.  ;)

But the boys were!  Look at those cuties.  :)

I do think they actually learned  a lot as Stan took them around and talked to them about all of the exhibits.  Landon has a mind for history and was teaching me things about what he learned when we got home.

It was really beautiful on top of the Fort.  Made me a little nervous, so I held on to the crazy two year old rather tightly... It was high!

Boys running around...always a good thing!

Brothers.  Wow how I love these two little boys.

Only on Stan's watch... I didn't even know this went on until I looked at the pictures...and that is probably for the best.  BOYS! All ages!

Connor was thrilled to be able to explore and pretend.  He has an amazing imagination that I love.

Photo credit...Stan Cole.  Cool picture, huh?

Sarah held tightly to her wild two year old too...

It is so cool that these boys are getting to make these types of memories together.  I love it.

Our wonderful neighbors, friends and huge blessings!!

Our sweet little crew.  Wow, LJ, the hair!

See how high?  Yikes...

While the boys were doing the crazy things, climbing and whatever else I am unaware of, I was playing with Lindsay Jane in the courtyard.  It was a blast.

Oh, the simple delights in being a little one and just taking it all in.  She ran and ran as I chased her through the grass...giggling every minutes, saying, "Get me mommy!"  I will forever treasure that time.

We even got to sneak away to a pool!  Kay came down and rented a hotel room and invited us for a swim.  The kids were ecstatic!!

Who do you think brought the Cheetos?  Not Sarah and not I...

Another sweet picture of Landon and JD.

Chilaxin'

And...our last day...complete with weather warm enough to swim in the ocean...in the first week of April.

Until next time, NC Coast.  You are the best, as always.  And even better with such dear friends and family.

You are beautiful...

As I swiped my card to gain access to the gated lot where I park at UNC, I read these words.  "You are Beautiful". Words that someone had placed right there, for all who enter to see.  A simple sticker. Someone who does not know me, but knows what the heart of every person needs to see as they bustle frantically into work, jumping from one set of circumstances to another.  Maybe they are both good circumstances. Maybe they are both less than desirable.  Maybe they are hard.  Maybe they are better than they used to be.  Maybe they are fresh.  Maybe they are old.

I jumped out of my car, sent my colleague (and friend) a quick text...I am on my way.  I am here.  I am walking in now.  I am late (again) but I am here. I had a lot on my mind.  An upcoming appointment.  Two meetings outside of work.  Many childcare pieces fit together to allow me to go to a conference this week on Thursday and Friday. A meeting with my new boss. Eight patients with very pressing needs. Countless emails from other patients to answer.  My best friend from high school just delivered her baby 6 weeks early.  I want to be there.  My family member is struggling.  I rushed my kids out the door.  Did I love them well enough this morning to send them away from me for the day?  Will I be able to get out of work on time?  Will I be able to eat lunch today?

I looked down at my phone again...I would send another quick text to my friend with the premature baby.  My phone had been pressed up against my lunch bag, the keyboard exposed, leaving all auto features on...auto correct, auto word recognition, auto voice recognition and transcription.  Typed in the text box from all of these auto-isms...was this, "You are a beautiful person in..."

I whispered...Christ.  Christ.  Christ.

Exhale.

Pause.

My heart smiled.  A message from my loving heavenly father.  No coincidence.

When the busy days try to steal us away, God is waiting.  He is present and speaking.  In the stickers placed by a stranger.  In the "auto-texts".  In the extra time taken to really listen.  In the "front hugs". In the smile of a stranger.  In the laughter of a child.

We just have to see him.

We just have to see ourselves as he sees us.

I think I will take that entrance to the parking deck every day.

And. I will pause.  I will whisper, I am beautiful in Christ.

There is no better way to start my day than to see myself and all others as beautiful in Christ. Looking with God's eyes is far different than looking with my eyes. My eyes are hazy, blurry, out of focus, nearsighted, farsighted, misshapen, red, infected, imperfect.  God's eyes correct every imperfection and allow me to first see myself as a loved child of God, given grace I do not deserve so that I can give that same grace to others.

God, let me see with your eyes.  Let me see me as you see me.  Let me see my neighbor as you see him or her.  Let me see my enemy as you see him or her.  Let me see your beauty in all things.

God, let me see you.

Front Hug

Just a few snow memories...to get this blog started today!  Oh, how much fun we had, but oh, how ready we all are for Spring!!!

Today, Connor, Lindsay and I went to one of our favorite hang outs, the Museum of Life and Science.  I love that every time we go, we explore something different. Enjoy the pictures from our trip this morning...and yes, we stopped at Dunkin' first.  :)

Ewww.  Snakes...

Working on finding balance...

Exploring frequency...

Daddy, is that you?

"Cooking" her healthy foods...

Tangrams!!  I love tangrams!

And the amazing wind tunnel.  This one had the kids mesmerized for the longest amount of time.  :)

What an awesome morning we had getting back into the swing of our family rhythm.  Tuesdays are the day I usually try to take these two nuggets somewhere to explore/play/read/etc.  Lately, those days have been filled with either snow or a sick mama.  I came down with the stomach bug last week and was out for the count.  How awful!

Being sick and out of commission does give you a chance to reflect on a lot. Though I didn't feel too much like reading, I did some praying and some listening.  It is so amazing how crowded out the voice of God can become in my hustle bustle.  As intentional as I try to be, life with little kids (or without little kids for that matter) can just seem relentless.  I set in my mind how I am going to have self control, setting my mind on things of the Lord and just as I am finally sitting down to read a relevant scripture, something distracts me and I am back in survival mode, back to relying on myself and my own understanding to get me through each day.

Being sick made me think about a lot of different BLOG posts, but I forgot those "awesome ideas" and am practicing being right here in the present.  I am not sick today, I have this time today.  I was able to enjoy the health of my two youngest and myself on this beautiful March morning in the city that I live in.  I ran my 5 miles this morning in preparation for a life long goal of running a half marathon- in 2.5 weeks!  I have a husband who has supported me in that training.  I have a job that is rewarding...hard, but rewarding.  I have the love of family and friends.  I know God and his love.  My husband and I will go dancing later tonight together because we love each other.

Too often, I let the plans I have for each day and each idea steal the joy that God has in the more simple, just being.

I have been called to be present this Spring for my family.  It has been a real gift to see the fruit of that calling.  It has not been easy for me.  I have scaled back on my extracurricular activities, and friends, these are good activities, like church choir, for one example...I did that because I felt like my kids needed me.  Some seasons are just that way.  Because I have been less distracted and committed, I have worked on ramping up Stan and I's discipline technique - disciplining without becoming emotional (HARD!) and have been able to help every night with bedtime.  This sounds little, but when you have at least one kid struggling, bedtime is really important for security and wind down pillow talk time.  Just those two things we have been able to work on have greatly helped my little one. You know how I can tell?  I can tell by the way he hugs me.  He used to "side hug" me (I hate those...) and now, he hugs me around the neck, holds me close and lets me hold him, pausing from the chaos of this busy world.  He gives me a real "front hug." He has said genuine words of thanks and has expressed gratitude both verbally and with his actions.

Stan and I have been able to talk more and while my mind has been less divided, I have been more ready to listen and stop scurrying about to clean or organize this or that.

I am not sure what this means for future seasons in my life.  It has been hard on me at times.  I have realized that I have to seek the Lord for him to be found.  I have to work even harder when I am not being "fed" as often as I was before in my church community.  I have also realized (again) that God has a ministry for me right here in this home.  Being a mom is so tiring at times.  It can be all consuming, it can feel so overwhelming.  It can make you laugh till you hurt and cry till you hurt- at the same time.  It is a short season that I have to really invest and mold these kids.  That time is now. And, each day, I have the opportunity to be present right here where God has me.

I liked this quote from my morning devotional, "Instead of approaching the day as a blank page you need to fill up, try living it in responsive mode: being on the lookout for all God is doing." (Jesus Calling).  In this time of slowing it down, I am so thankful to be able to see that I do not need to live with guilt of not being everywhere for everything.  Guilt steals joy and is not from God.  A perfectionist and people pleaser needs to hear that.

God's plans are the best.  You never know when you will be called to minister to a hurting child of God, whether it is your own or someone else's.  You never know when God will pull you aside and give you a real front hug...my plan is to be ready for all he has planed and continue to die to myself. Easier said than done, but with God's awesome power, it is more than possible.